Minister Backs Angry Passengers

Six fell ill after dinner aboard Rajdhani. Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Tuesday welcomed the protests by passengers of the Rajdhani Express against the “poor quality” of food and services on the train.

Six passengers said they fell ill after eating the food served on the New Delhi-Sealdah Rajdhani Express on Monday, an incident that sparked protests at different stations.

Mr. Supriyo, who represents Asansol in the Lok Sabha, said he would raise the issue with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. “Today [on Tuesday], I will attend a meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Prime Minister’s house and I would discuss the matter with Mr. Prabhu,” Mr. Supriyo said.

“It is true that the quality of food on the Rajdhani Express is very bad sometimes. I thank the passengers for their protest. Their agitation has made my case stronger,” the BJP MP added. The Union Minister said that he will come to Asansol Railway Station any day to inspect the situation myself.

Mr. Supriyo said that a few days ago he travelled by the same train and went through an ordeal similar to what the passengers complained about. The passengers said that when they wanted to file a complaint, they were not given the register. Eastern Railway officials said action would be taken after a probe.